‘Unbeaten Tracks in Japan’ by Isabella L. Bird is a captivating travelogue that takes readers on a remarkable journey through 19th-century Japan. Written in the form of letters to her sister, Bird recounts her intrepid travels from Tokyo to Hokkaido in 1878, a time when Japan was just opening its doors to the Western world.

At the age of 46, Bird, accompanied by her Japanese interpreter Ito, explores regions seldom seen by Westerners. Her vivid descriptions bring to life the intricacies of Japanese houses, clothing, customs, and the breathtaking natural environment during the early years of the Meiji Restoration. The book offers a unique perspective on the cultural and societal changes occurring in Japan at that time. Bird also provides an in-depth look at the Ainu people, highlighting her experiences and observations of their culture. Furthermore, the book does not shy away from addressing the poverty she witnessed outside the major cities.

’Unbeaten Tracks in Japan’ is not just a travel narrative; it’s a historical document that offers a window into a world on the cusp of modernization.